Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 82265 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82265 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
“We really should consider a trip with the ladies too. Two trips a year, one just the guys, and one with the women and kids too,” Orrin says.
“Yes.” Brooks is quick to agree. “Let’s plan that while we’re on our trip. Dad can help,” Brooks says. “He’s going to want input on this.”
“Good plan.” Orrin holds out his hand. “Now pass me the bottle.”
I’m drunk.
We’re all drunk. We finished off the bottle of Jack and started on a bottle of Crown. We’re all cutting up and laughing and just being noisy drunk guys when Jade walks into the living room.
“Hey, babe.” Orrin’s eyes light up at the sight of his wife.
“Hi.” Jade laughs. “Looks like you all had a good night.” She moves into the room and bends to give Ryder a hug. He holds onto her as she whispers something into his ear.
“I think I need to call in reinforcements.” She laughs lightly as she walks to Orrin and kisses him quickly before placing her phone to her ear and stepping out of the room.
“Are we in trouble?” Deacon asks.
“Nah, they love us.” Brooks grins sloppily.
“Yeah,” Deacon agrees. “They love us.”
I don’t know how much time passes, but the next thing I know, all the ladies are here, and when I see mine, I stand on wobbly legs and make my way over to her. “Missed you, Tink,” I say, hugging her close. I bury my face in her neck, letting her scent wash over me.
“You ready to go home?” she asks.
“With you? Yes.” I nod. At least, I think I do.
“Who else am I taking?” She looks over at Jade for further instruction.
“The twins are staying here,” Jade tells her. “I’ve got Orrin and Archer. Ramsey has Deacon and Rushton, Kennedy has Declan and Brooks, and Alyssa has Sterling.”
“Is my wife mad at me?” Brooks asks.
“No.” Kennedy laughs. “She was on her way, but I called and told her not to bring Remi out and that I would just drop you off on my way home.”
“Thank you, sister,” Brooks slurs.
“Come on, Tank. Let’s get you home.” With her arm around my waist, Alyssa leads me toward the door.
“I’m not that drunk,” I tell her, my words only a little slurred.
“Okay.” She laughs.
“I can carry you.” I lift her into my arms bridal style and sway a little.
“Sterling Kincaid, put me back on my feet right now. You’re going to drop me.”
“No, baby,” I say. “I would never drop you. You’re too important, Tink.” Rushton opens the door for me, and I step out into the night air and walk slowly, making sure my steps are sure, well, as sure as they can be as I carry her to her car. She demands that I stop and put her down the entire way, but she’s still and not fighting me. In fact, her arms are locked around my neck. I set her on her feet, and she slaps at my chest.
“Not cool, Sterling. You’re drunk and could have dropped me. What if you would have dropped me down the stairs, huh?”
My hands cradle her cheeks, and I bend so that we’re at eye level. I’m drunk, but I know what I’m doing. I know what I’m saying, and I’m tired of holding it all in, so I say what’s on my mind. “I love you too much to ever hurt you, Alyssa.”
Her eyes bore into mine, and okay, I’m too drunk to determine her look. I stand up and stumble back.
“Shit,” Alyssa curses. “Let’s get you in the car and get you home.” With her arm around my waist, she guides me to the passenger side and helps me into her car.
Once we’re on the road, I lean over and rest my head on her shoulder. I’m big, and this car is tiny, so even with my seat belt on, it’s easy. My hand rests on her thigh. “Thanks for taking care of me.”
“I always will.”
“One of the reasons I fell in love with you,” I say before my eyes fall closed.
CHAPTER
EIGHTEEN
Alyssa
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?” Sterling offers.
“I’m sure. It’s just Mom and me today. We’re going to grab lunch and do some shopping.”
I’m lying, and I feel like he knows that I’m lying. It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him the truth, but I know my best friend, and he’s going to talk me out of it. I’ve been avoiding him all week. Drinks with Cassie one night, dinner with Kristy, and her parents another. He worked late three nights, so I haven’t seen him all week. After last weekend, I’ve felt charged. He told me he loved me, and they say that alcohol is a truth serum. It wasn’t just a friendly “I love you.” It was a “that’s one of the reasons I fell in love with you.”